Jigger Like a Pro: The 5-Minute Drill
By Death & Co | March 3, 2026
Making great cocktails starts with consistency—and consistency begins with accurate measuring. Many cocktails are delicately balanced; a bit too much (or too little) of one ingredient can make the difference between a beautifully composed drink and something slightly “off.”
At Death & Co, we build every cocktail using jiggers to measure ingredients precisely. That’s not about being fussy—it’s about making sure every drink tastes the way it’s supposed to. The good news? You can build the same muscle memory at home with a quick and simple exercise.
The 5-Minute Drill
1. Start by filling an empty liquor bottle with water. Place a mixing glass or shaker tin on top of a clean sheet of white paper—this isn’t for notes, but to spot spills. If you’re off target, you’ll know right away.
2. If you’re right-handed, set the bottle to the right of the glass. Pick up your jigger with your left hand, holding it at its narrowest point between your thumb and index finger, steadying it with your middle finger.
3. Hold the jigger just above the rim of the mixing glass, orienting it between 9 and 10 o’clock. This lets you easily see if the jigger is level.
4. Pick up the bottle with your right hand, holding it around the middle of its neck. Slowly pour the liquid into the jigger, keeping the mouth of the bottle as close to the rim of the jigger as possible without bumping it. Aim to fill the jigger to the brim—no more, no less. A flat surface (the meniscus) means you’ve nailed it.
5. Using a steady motion, tilt the jigger toward the mixing glass, making sure you don’t body and pour the water into the mixing glass. When you’ve finished pouring, return the jigger to its position on the left side of the mixing glass.
6. Repeat for five minutes, practicing common measurements like ¼ oz, ½ oz, ¾ oz, and 1 oz. Once you’re comfortable, switch hands and practice pouring with your non-dominant hand.
Precision takes practice, but the reward is worth it: cleaner technique, better cocktails, and less waste. Your drinks—and your friends—will notice.